Libyan aid ship bound for Gaza

JERUSALEM (JTA) — A boat carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians has left Libya with plans to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

A Palestinian lawmaker told The Associated Press that the ship, with thousands of tons of aid, will arrive in Gaza next week. The Palestine News Network also reported the start of the voyage, according to the Israeli daily Ha’aretz.

If successful, the ship will join three boatloads of activists who have landed in Gaza despite the blockade of the terrorist Hamas-controlled area. Israel has said it would decide whether or not to intercept ships sailing to Gaza on a case-by-case basis.

Libya’s action marks the first time a sovereign nation has attempted to break the blockade. Libya and Israel do not have diplomatic relations.